The Hosleare Estate | The Silver Alps: II

James harbors no resentment losing the shard in Borintas. No doubt Noaki and his companions were now somewhere beyond his reach. This no longer mattered to him. The shard had always meant to serve as a bargaining item.

In all this, the only misgivings he had about the incident was how quickly he'd lost his temperament.

His infusion with Nagahshya amalgamated into her Nagari form. That transformation being the result of the combined efforts of innumerable serpents under his influence.

Though he did fail to reacquire the shard, he wasn't in the slightest sullen. The knowledge and theoretical experimentation confirmed what he'd read in the Sohmnias Journal.

Everything worked as he wanted, the acquisitioning of the shard would merely have been an accessory, a spoil of war in a sense. The failure of the attack had been a part of his little experiment, if his intention to harm was truly ingrained into the serpents, Borintas may as have been reduced to rubble. The Dalkarian’s counteroffensive was truly the only surprising outcome in that incident.

There comes a knock at the door.

"Enter," James responds languidly.

Loraunt enters with a silver platter containing his single daily meal. The alvarrian sets it on the nightstand and pulls up a chair to his bedside.

A little over a week has passed and finally he'd recovered much of his strength from the overexertion of spiritual pressure. One other thing he did not account for, were the side effects of spiritual overexertion on his body. Nagahshya had chastised him for his brash actions.

"If you did not bear an innate vitae nature, your recovery would have been far longer."

His familiar hasn't spoken much since then, regardless, she returns often to inspect the status of his recovery through his biological chemistry. The infusion of their natures were now strengthened through their conscious bonds. This he also deduced from the journal, though it had only been referenced briefly.

He thanks the alvarrian and proceeds to eat his diet of fruit, vegetables, and nuts. He'd noticed from observation that a vegetarian diet did not stress the digestive process which greatly accelerated his recovery.

Loraunt nods and asks the question brewing in the back of everyone's mind. "Vhat to do from 'ear?"

James considered this during the long hours of his immobility. There would be severe repercussions from the Marquis, with dismissals on all levels of the estate's employees. However, no matter how severe, he would be one among few not to be dismissed. His recent perusal of his journals from m the earlier years were evident of that.

Though he doesn't consider himself to be the same person who wrote those journals, nor did he consider himself to be the person before invading this body. Neither were him, he amalgamated into someone entirely different. Nagahshya helped him come to this conclusion.

When he finishes his meal, he sets the tray back on the nightstand. "I've been considering this for some time," he glances at his friend. "Though, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter, as it would require you to abandon your position."

Loraunt nods with a casual alertness.

"I've recently come across an old journal concerning a particular philosophy. Sohmnias, have you heard of it?"

"In passing, secret organization. Like 'ilal."

"Good, that saves me quite a bit of dialogue," James nods. "Although the journal is titled Sohmnias, it contains little information pertaining to the organization's intentions. I suspect it is a forgotten research journal that's been displaced over the years, however, from reading its contents I managed to extend my knowledge conceeing my abilities."

"Is dhis 'ow you summoned dhee Nagari?" The alvarrian studies him curiously."

"Yes, although it doesn't precisely extrapolate on what would come about, it only provided a method. The Nagari was my own experiment of sorts." James thinks for a moment, recollecting some information. "Although the author remained anonymous, there was mention of a particular underground operation in O'taomon."

The expression on the alvarrian's face shifts as if he knew where James was going with this proposal.

"In all honesty, I'm not certain whether Sohmnias still operates in O'taomon, but considering their wide influence over Eldaeoryai, it is a relatively safe bet."

The alvarrian nods. "You vish us to join dheir organization?"

"Yes, and although reclaiming the shard would've secured our position here at the estate. I also considered using it to buy our way into the organization."

"Now, vee 'ave no shard."

James nods. "We do have the journal, and information. It might not secure us significant roles within the organization, however, they don't seem the sort to disregard potential assets. The abilities of summoners are not really known and rare, I suspect even rarer within the organization."

Loraunt grins, "you vant to petition yourself for an experiment?"

James laughs, "in a sense yes. No doubt your resourcefulness and skill would also be at the top of their consideration."

"Vhat of fire-ed?"

James frowns. He didn't think the alvarrian would have any concerns for the guard. "I sort of planned on him remaining here," he sighs. "I didn't intend to entirely abandon him, he would have been excellent eyes and ears, though now that I'm considering it, I doubt he would be a reliable source of espionage."

Loraunt nods in agreement.

"My original intention was to write a formal letter of resignation and take full responsibility for the theft."

"Noble 'eume," the alvarrian smiles.

"If I'm leaving, why not? My intention was meant to mitigate the repercussions of the incident so at least the ginger git would've been spared his position." He sighs. "Even if he's a pain most times." The two are silent for a time before James continues. "Perhaps, with the background of his experience, he could still be useful yet."

"Travel expense?"

"I've already accounted for that. The person I'd been had a knack for fiscal obligations. With the aid of the Marquis and key investments in the royal family, I'm comfortably wealthy." James refrains from mentioning his small fortune of four million gold and six million silver crystaires. "Rest assured I can accommodate for any expected or unexpected expenditure."

"Ah..." Loraunt has a smile that holds back private knowledge. "I vill consider dhis my friend, if fire-ed agrees I vill agree."

Before James could respond there came a fervent knock at the door. Something in the air makes him uneasy. He feels Nagahshya urgently returning to his side from the gardens. "Enter!" He calls out and a liveried footman enters with a lowered head. "Forgive me sir, but the estate has a visitor."

Loraunt and James exchange glances.

"It's a dalkarian who claims to be a member of the Celestial Order, he bears the Crest of Svernia's Holy Insignia."

James frowns. "Extend the estate's hospitality, inform him the master of the estate is on errand regarding matters of the High King. I will meet him after I've properly changed into something appropriate."

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"I will sir," the footman bows.

"Dhis celestial," Loraunt begins after the footman exits the room, a hint of agitation takes expression in his voice. "It does not bode vell."

"I agree," James climbs from bed. He'd have taken a few tumblers of scotch to abate the pain, but Nagahshya wouldn't have it. "Would you entertain our guest while I ready myself?"

The alvarrian nods, "don't be long now.”

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Upon approaching the dining hall with the assistance of a cane, James notes Garrett properly stationed outside as he'd instructed. The two exchange tense glances before Garrett opens the heavy wooden doors.

James spares a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the natural luminosity of the dining hall. Well polished mirrors and ornate tapestries align the wall opposite the enormous arched tracery windows.

At the far end of the hall blazes a blue eternal flame beneath a lazul mantelpiece. The lengthy dining table with an impressive twenty-two velvet seats are divided equidistant. The cloudy marble slab of the table bears the insignia of House Hosleare in gold, its frame crystalline and luminous.

James enters the hall, decorous in edible, ornamental, and medicinal vegetation. Seated at the axis of the table rises a luminous dalkarian adolescent with jet black hair and crystalline patterns.

Loraunt imitates the dalkarian. James is briefly taken aback by the alvarrian's stormy silk kurta with reflective gold trim.

"I will first ask you to pardon my sudden unannounced arrival." The dalkarian bows. "I'm on urgent business for the order."

"Quite the contrary," James returns the bow. "The Hosleare estate will extend any assistance to the celestial order, that is if Lord Hosleare permits." He gestures to the dalkarian's chair. "Please return to your seat, I'll have the staff bring in refreshments." He nods curtly to the waiting staff who exits into the kitchen.

"Much appreciated." The dalkarian seats himself, followed by Loraunt and James opposite the dalkarian.

"Though the estate extends it's hospitality to any member of Svernia's Celestial Order, I'm afraid that's all my position will allow." James starts before the arrival of traditional dalkarian refreshments were set before them.

He waits for the waiter to pour shixu wine into their copper goblets before continuing. "Lord Hosleare is presently occupied at the World Summit."

The youthful dalkarian nods. "It's not the assistance of the Marquis or the estate's hospitality that I've arrived."

Loraunt and James exchange uneasy expressions. Through Nagahshya's sensory exchange, he confers Garrett's response behind the entrance. The dalkarian’s youthful appearance was one of deception. James spares no caution as his mind accelerates to account for all subtleties.

"Perhaps he comes for the shard?"

Nagahshya suggests from the background of his mind just as he comes to the same conclusion.

The dalkarian sips from his chalice. "Serahn shixu?" He inspects the contents curiously.

"Ah," Loraunt grins. "Dhis vine is familiar?"

The dalkarian dilutes the drink with water. "Yes, it is a staple of my homeland."

The Serahn Isles of southern Daskalania. James knew very little of that particular region. "Quite the coincidence, I wasn't aware many dalkarians inhabited the Serahn Isles."

The Dalkarian's eyes flicker toward the door. "Your guard may as well come join us, as he appears to be straining to eavesdrop."

A flushed Garrett enters the hall and takes a seat next to James. Neither acknowledge each other. Though Garrett squirms a little as Nagahshya slithers past his feet. The dalkarian doesn't appear to be aware of the serpent.

"It's you three who were afflicted by the Lucaceous?" The dalkarian sets out a cup for the ginger and serves him a plentiful serving of wine.

"Thank you." Garrett nods in genuine appreciation. "Name's Garrett." He raises the chalice to the dalkarian and helps himself to refreshments.

"I'll be known as Loraunt young lordling." Loraunt raises his chalice before taking a sip. He motions with his arm to Garrett "ease on dhis one fire-ed, is brewed for Dalkari."

"Too late," Garrett grasps the table to regain his bearings. "Holy - this stuff is weird, and strong."

The dalkarian watches this scene with mild interest. "Lordling?"

"Is inappropriate for celestial?" Loraunt raises an eyebrow.

The dalkarian shakes his head. "No, just coincidental." He shifts his gaze toward James. "Everyone else has introduced themselves."

"James." He answers, setting his cup aside.

"I take it your names haven't changed then?" The dalkarian nods. "My name is Al'ekh."

Nagahshya coils herself near James' feet, wary of the dalkarian. James eases into his seat. "You know of our amnesia?"

"A little. It has been listed as one of the symptoms. Though that's the extent of my knowledge. Very little is known regarding the Lucaceous." Al'ekh scans the area.

James nods to the dalkarian. "You may speak freely, I've cleared the room beforehand so that it was only the four of us."

"Hmmm," Al'ekh nods. "Regarding the Lucaceous, I've been tasked by Gran Celestial Orelle - head of the Svernian Inquisition - to acquire it." The adolescent glances toward his periphery. "I'm aware it's no longer in possession of the estate."

"It was lost to an Okari thief with the help of the groundskeeper's adopted nephew." James refrains from using Moritz and Noaki's names, though the dalkarian didn’t appear particularly interested, or perhaps he already knew.

"So it is traveling with Gavin Whitehawk." Al'ekh sinks back, drinking from his chalice. "That'll be a problem, though I don't foresee irresponsible usage with Whitehawk's presence."

"Afraid we can't be much help." James admits.

Al'ekh levels his gaze with James. "You see, that would be problematic for Sohmnias."

A restless Nagahshya binds her way up James leg and drapes herself around his shoulders. She glares at the Dalkarian.

Al'ekh responda to her with a curious expression. "You're Nagahshya?"

"Before you had been, the other was an agent of Sohmnias. Before he had been lost, he made me vow I keep this silent.

" Through his writing you learned much of his life, but the secrets of Sohmnias he wisely never recorded."

"I'm not entirely sure what you're here for Al'ekh, but the person I had been before the amnesia hadn't wished for me to know of Sohmnias, or at least know of his involvement in the organization." James' mind accelerates. "Although if you're willing to oblige me with this information, I'm willing to listen.

Loraunt sets his cup down. "First vee should learn vhat dhis organization vants vith you?"

James nods. "That first."

The dalkarian surveys the room before agreeing. "As I said before, very little is known regarding the effects of the lucaceous, however, that's only what I can infer with information accessible to me.

"The heads of Sohmnias have been aware of Hosleare's task to obtain the Lucaceous long before he set out. This elusive daeitik shard in particular is what the organization has been searching for many years. By a stroke of coincidental luck you, or rather the pre-amnesiac you had been deeply involved within the organization and rooted even deeper in Hosleare's affairs.

"As an international agent of Sohmnias, you're pre-amnesiac state had been ordered to acquisition the shard upon arrival with Hosleare and to be delivered immediately to the closest headquarters in O'taomon."

Al'ekh pauses to pour himself another drink, taking his time as he stirs the diluted concoction. "Of course when the expected date of your arrival came and no one showed, the organization suspected an incident involving the shard was partly, if not wholly, responsible.

"As the nearest agent of the organization, I was then instructed to assess the situation with little to no information regarding the Lucaceous, granted the celestials of Svernia have acquisitioned a great deal more data." The dalkarian set his chalice down. "Now, I'm here."

Neither of the trio spoke for some time until the ginger downs an undiluted mixture. To James' amazement, he manages to stay cognizant. "That doesn't even tell us what the organization wants with this guy."

"So it would seem," James nods. "However, he did give us subtle hints as to the organization's intent."

"Are… are you sure?" Garrett has a concentrated look about him.

"Although I doubt they will openly outright admit this, the organization is quite desperate to get their hands on this particular shard. Any information they can collect is invaluable. With the vast network of influence and power that this organization has, any information regardless of how little, can go a long way.

"So we're it. The living effects of the Lucaceous' power and they want to poke and prod you for their experiments." James levels his gaze with the calm dalkarian. "Am I close?"

Al'ekh shrugs. "The Lucaceous means very little to me. Before I became involved, it was a mythical artifact alluding to vague and enticing properties." He pops a bite sized pastry into his mouth. "Though I could imagine why an organization like Sohmnias might seek it out." He yawns, "in any event, you cannot ignore their summons.

"My suggestion is that you all proceed to O'taomon at your own leisure." He rises from his seat. "Your hospitality is appreciated, however, it's imperative I seek out the Lucaceous as soon as possible. Farahn."

James watches Al'ekh exit the hall with an eased grace. He lets out a relieved breath when the remnants of the Dalkarian's echoing footfalls diminish.

" Foolish."

"Indeed."